Page 46 of The Moon's Daughter
“Layna, I never expected any of this to happen.” He inched closer, his hand outstretched as if approaching a wild, untamed mare.
“Expected what?” she raged, eyes blazing with fury. “To play with my heart while you hide behind your duty? How can I trust anything you say?”
“I understand why you’re upset,” Zarian pleaded, taking another step toward her. “But I swear on my honor, I care deeply for you. I would never betray you, Layna. Please, you must believe me.” He reached out, hoping to bridge the gap between them.
Layna recoiled. “Believe you? Never again. You’re just another prince with hidden agendas. Stay away from me!” She spun on her heel, leaving Zarian standing alone.
Returning to the palace, she rushed through the corridors. Her mind was a whirlwind of betrayal, confusion, and the painful sting of yet another wound to her heart. Her sister, she knew, would understand.
She found Soraya in her chambers. Soraya looked up, immediately noticing the agony etched on her sister’s face.
“Layna, what happened?”
Soraya’s voice broke through the tsunami of Layna’s thoughts, but the words felt distant, muffled by the overwhelming tide of emotions within her. Layna’s legs gave way, and she collapsed, a sob escaping her lips. The dam of composure she had so carefully constructed over the years burst.
Soraya was by her side in an instant, wrapping her arms around her sister. Layna clung to her as she sobbed uncontrollably, tears cascading down her cheeks. Soraya held her tightly, whispering words of comfort, her presence a steady anchor amidst Layna’s despair.
Gradually, the sobs subsided, replaced by a hollow emptiness. As Layna’s tears dried, Soraya gently helped her stand, leading her to the bed. There, she sat with Layna, a silent guardian in the quiet aftermath of her sister’s heartache.
“I overheard a conversation,” Layna began hoarsely. “Zarian and a stranger, talking about a prophecy—‘The Daughter of the Moon.’ They thinkI’mat the center of it, and that’s the real reason he’s here. I’m his mission. He’s been lying to me this entire time.”
“That sounds ominous. But Zarian—he doesn’t strike me as someone with bad intentions,” Soraya reasoned.
Layna took a deep breath, her emotions still raw. “I confronted him,” she confessed. “I accused him of betrayal, of using me. I said very harsh things.”
“I understand why you reacted that way, especially after Nizam. But Zarian has always seemed genuine. Maybe there’s more to this than we know.”
“How can I be sure?” Layna shook her head, frustration clear in her face. “He pretended to care about me to benefit himself.”
Soraya gently squeezed her sister’s hand. “I think you should focus on the prophecy first. That’ll help you understand your role in all this, and perhaps, also about Zarian’s purpose here.”
“But how can I ever trust him again?” Layna questioned, wiping away an errant tear.
“Take small steps.” Soraya gently squeezed her sister’s shoulder. “Learn about the prophecy, understand its implications, and maybe it’ll help you understand Zarian and his motivations.”
Layna pondered her sister’s words, the storm inside slowly settling into a cautious resolve.
“You’re right. I need to know why they think I’m this ‘Daughter of the Moon.’”
Soraya nodded, her expression serious. “And I’ll be here, every step of the way. We’ll figure this out together.”
“Lord Ebrahim once mentioned Medjai texts in the library,” Layna mused, her brow furrowing. “But I’ve never seen them. Have you?”
“No.” Soraya shook her head. “And I practically live there.”
The sisters exchanged a look. They knew what needed to be done.
“We should search the library,” Layna decided, a new determination lighting her eyes.
“Tomorrow,” Soraya added gently. “Tonight, we rest.”
Layna reluctantly agreed. As they talked into the night, she felt a sense of clarity emerging from the chaos of her thoughts.
She might not have all the answers, but she had a direction.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
The elder brother stepped into his father’s study. The walls were lined with shelves filled with ancient scrolls and books. A large desk dominated the room, cluttered with maps and parchments. The air was thick with the scent of incense. Sunlight filtered through the high windows, casting a warm glow over the plush carpets.